Atiku Faults AGF’s Remarks On OPL 245, Insists On Transparency

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected comments attributed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), over the controversial OPL 245 oil block, insisting its position is based on public records and not political motives.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by his media office, Atiku described the Attorney-General’s remarks as “misleading” and an attempt to divert attention from key legal and factual issues surrounding the alleged resolution of the long-running dispute.

The statement maintained that concerns raised about OPL 245 were grounded in verifiable documents, including a pre-action notice issued by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, which it said raises serious objections to the purported settlement.

According to the statement, available records show that some stakeholders have challenged the legitimacy of the claimed resolution, arguing that they were neither consulted nor involved in any negotiation process, while multiple lawsuits relating to the asset remain pending in court.

“It is therefore not only disingenuous but deeply troubling for the Attorney-General to dismiss legitimate concerns—rooted in documented legal processes—as ‘self-interest,’” the statement said.

The former vice president stressed that raising questions based on public documents should not be politicised, adding that such scrutiny is essential in a constitutional democracy.

Describing OPL 245 as one of Nigeria’s most significant oil assets with a history of complex litigation and international scrutiny, the statement called for transparency, due process, and respect for ongoing judicial proceedings.

“What Nigerians deserve is transparency, adherence to due process, and respect for ongoing judicial proceedings—not premature declarations of victory,” he added.

Atiku also clarified that he has no interest in the oil block.

“We wish to state for the record that Atiku Abubakar does not have an interest in OPL 245, has never had an interest in the contentious OPL 245 and will never have an interest in OPL 245,” the statement said.

It added that its intervention was driven solely by public interest and the need to uphold the rule of law, urging the Attorney-General to address the substantive legal issues raised rather than dismiss concerns as political propaganda.

The statement further argued that the Attorney-General’s response underscores the need for greater openness and accountability in handling the matter.

OPL 245, one of Nigeria’s most valuable oil assets, has been at the centre of protracted legal disputes both locally and internationally.